The Institute of Body Psychotherapy offers somatic and body-centred psychotherapy on the Sunshine Coast from our Buderim clinic. Sessions are held with Andrea Alexander and use Core Energetics — a body-oriented approach that works with breath, movement and the nervous system alongside talk therapy to help release stored trauma, anxiety and depression. Individual, couples, and group sessions are available, in person in Buderim or online.
Somatic & Body Psychotherapy — Sunshine Coast
Body-Centred Psychotherapy in Buderim, Sunshine Coast
If you’ve tried traditional talk therapy and still feel stuck — unable to fully verbalise what you’re carrying, or noticing the same painful patterns repeating in your relationships and life — body psychotherapy offers a different way in. At the Institute of Body Psychotherapy, our Sunshine Coast sessions combine counselling with body-based work: breath, focused movement, posture and mindfulness, guided by Andrea Alexander using the Core Energetics method.
Key Facts
| Location | Coast Life Families Shop 4/1-7 Goshawk Boulevard, Buderim |
| Practitioner | Andrea Alexander |
| Approach | Core Energetics (body psychotherapy), developed by Dr John Pierrakos, building on Alexander Lowen’s Bioenergetics and Wilhelm Reich’s work |
| Session types | Individual, Couples, Group (Process Groups), Energy Healing |
| Format | In person (Buderim) or online |
| Phone | 0422 883 410 |
| Booking | Online booking calendar |
On This Page
- What Is Somatic / Body Psychotherapy?
- What to Expect in a Session
- How It Works
- Is This Right for You?
- Session Types We Offer
- Body Psychotherapy vs Traditional Talk Therapy
- Sunshine Coast Areas We Serve
- FAQs
What Is Somatic / Body-Oriented Psychotherapy?
Body psychotherapy (also called somatic psychotherapy, body-oriented psychotherapy or bodywork psychotherapy) is a form of therapy that treats the body as a source of information about emotional experience, not just the mind. Reich referred to the physical and emotional defence patterns we develop as our “characterology” — the way abandonment, rejection, betrayal or trauma become held in chronically tense muscles and tissue. Core Energetics, the specific approach used at our Sunshine Coast practice, works with breath, movement, posture and mindfulness alongside conventional counselling to gently release these patterns.
What to Expect in a Session
An individual session usually involves some counselling and some form of body-based work — this could be breathing exercises, focused movement, postures, mindfulness or trauma-release exercises. The exact mix depends on what you need in that session, the trauma or characterology held in your body, and what you’re working toward.
How It Works — Our Process
- Enquire or book online — via phone (0422 883 410) or the online calendar.
- First session — Andrea gets a picture of what’s going on for you, your history, and what you want for yourself.
- Ongoing sessions — a mix of talk and body-based work tailored to your characterology and goals.
- Process over time — defence patterns built up over years take time to shift; change is gradual but lasting.
Is This Right for You?
Sunshine Coast body psychotherapy with Andrea may be a good fit if you:
- Feel stuck in talk therapy or struggle to verbalise your emotions
- Notice repeating patterns — in relationships, work, or how you respond to stress
- Are working through grief, anxiety, depression or unresolved trauma
- Feel disconnected from your body, or emotionally “flat” and numb
- Want to build capacity for joy, love, pleasure and life purpose, not just symptom relief
Common Problems We Work With
- Abandonment and rejection patterns
- Anxiety and depression
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and intimacy difficulties
- Chronic tension or pain linked to unresolved emotion
- Feeling emotionally numb or “in your head”
Session Types We Offer on the Sunshine Coast
- Individual Sessions — one-on-one body psychotherapy with Andrea Alexander.
- Couples Sessions — Core Energetics-based work for relationship patterns and communication.
- Process Groups — group psychotherapy in a supported setting.
- Energy Healing — offered alongside body psychotherapy for emotional wellbeing and vibrancy.
Body Psychotherapy vs Traditional Talk Therapy
| Traditional Talk Therapy | Body / Somatic Psychotherapy |
|---|---|
| Works primarily through conversation and insight | Works through breath, movement, posture and mindfulness alongside conversation |
| Can be limited when experiences are hard to put into words | Gives a way in when trauma or emotion is stored in the body rather than accessible verbally |
| Focuses on understanding patterns cognitively | Aims to release patterns held physically as “characterology,” not just understand them |
Why Choose the Institute of Body Psychotherapy on the Sunshine Coast
- Sessions grounded in Core Energetics, developed by Dr John Pierrakos and building on Alexander Lowen’s Bioenergetics and Wilhelm Reich’s work — an established body psychotherapy lineage, not a trend-based technique
- Andrea Alexander also sees clients in Brisbane (Kelvin Grove) — providing continuity if you split time between the two regions
- In-person Buderim sessions or online, for flexibility across the Coast
Sunshine Coast Areas We Serve
Our Buderim clinic serves clients across the Sunshine Coast, including Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Nambour, Sippy Downs, Kuluin, Forest Glen, Palmwoods and surrounding suburbs, plus Noosa and Caloundra clients via online sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is somatic psychotherapy?
Somatic psychotherapy is a body-oriented approach to therapy that works with breath, movement, and physical sensation alongside talk therapy, based on the idea that emotional experience and trauma are held in the body, not only the mind.
Is body psychotherapy the same as somatic therapy?
Yes — body psychotherapy, somatic therapy, body-oriented psychotherapy and bodywork psychotherapy are different names for closely related approaches that treat the body as central to emotional healing, rather than an approach separate from talk therapy.
Where is the Institute of Body Psychotherapy located on the Sunshine Coast?
Our Sunshine Coast clinic is at 30 King Street, Buderim QLD 4556.
Do you offer online sessions for Sunshine Coast clients?
Yes, sessions are available online as well as in person in Buderim.
Can I do body psychotherapy as a couple, not just individually?
Yes, couples sessions using the Core Energetics approach are available alongside individual and group sessions.
How do I book a session with Andrea on the Sunshine Coast?
Call 0422 883 410 or book directly through the online calendar.
Book Somatic Body Psychotherapy — Buderim, Sunshine Coast
Call 0422 883 410 or book online
